“Montreal smoked meat isn’t just food. It’s a decision.” That’s what a longtime deli carver once said after slicing through his thousandth brisket of the week. And he’s not wrong.
Walk into any proper smoked meat restaurant in Montreal and one of the first questions you’ll get, right after “Sandwich or platter?”, is this: Lean, medium, or fatty?
It sounds simple. But to those who know, this is the moment that defines your plate. And maybe, a little bit, your personality too.
So what does your smoked meat preference say about you? Let’s find out.
The Cuts Explained
Before we dive into the meat of things, here’s what the terminology means:
- Lean: Brisket from the flat, with most of the fat trimmed off. Firmer, drier, and lighter.
- Medium: The best of both worlds. A mix of lean and fatty slices, giving you moisture and texture without the full intensity of fat.
- Fatty: The richest, most indulgent cut, taken from the point of the brisket where the fat is marbled throughout.
Every smoked meat lover has a preference, and Montreal’s delis are built to serve each of them without judgment. But let’s be honest, each choice carries its own flavor story.
The Lean Lover
If you’re ordering lean, you’re likely someone who knows exactly what they want. You enjoy tradition, you respect restraint, and you might even be a bit of a minimalist at heart.
Lean smoked meat is firm. It holds together in clean slices and offers a deeper beef-forward flavor without distraction. It’s popular with those who prioritize texture and like their sandwich structured and neat.
You’re probably health-conscious, or at least trying to be. You want your smoked meat, but you want it on your terms. You’re also the type who eats with intention, enjoys a crisp rye, and probably adds a generous swipe of yellow mustard to finish the job.
Lean lovers tend to favor lighter sides too. Think fresh coleslaw or a simple salad on the side. You’re here for the meat, but not necessarily the mess.
Lean, medium, or fatty, whatever your preference, get it at Dunn’s Famous, the best smoked meat restaurant in Montreal. Flavor starts here.
The Medium Devotee
Ordering medium is a move that says, “I’ve thought about this.” You want richness, but you also want structure. You’re not here to prove anything, you’re here to enjoy your meal in peace, with just the right amount of indulgence.
Medium fans are the steady types. Not too cautious, not too extreme. They appreciate contrast, the bite of peppery brisket with just enough fat to melt across the tongue. You’re the type who’s tried lean, flirted with fatty, and settled where it all just works.
You probably know your deli order by heart and expect consistency. Your sandwich is thick, warm, and satisfying, but you still want to walk away from lunch without a nap.
You’re likely to pair it with classic sides: fries, slaw, a pickle or two. You might even split a cheesecake with someone if the moment feels right.
The Fatty Fan
When you order fatty, you’re not just hungry, you’re making a statement. You want the full experience, the richness, the melt-in-your-mouth bite that only a properly marbled brisket can deliver.
Fatty fans don’t count calories, they count satisfaction. They know that a sandwich should drip a little, that great meat should barely hold together, and that napkins are just part of the experience.
You probably love food deeply. You’ve argued over bagels, declared your favorite deli with absolute certainty, and can tell the difference between fresh-cut fries and the frozen kind with one bite. You like your mustard spicy, your pickles sharp, and you’d never say no to a black cherry soda on the side.
You’re adventurous, maybe a bit stubborn, and fun to eat with.
In Montreal, This Choice Runs Deep
The smoked meat order isn’t just a preference, it’s part of how you’re known in a place like Montreal. The carvers recognize regulars by their cut, and locals defend their favorites like sports teams. It’s the kind of quiet culinary ritual that says a lot without saying anything at all.
Even in a city with dozens of smoked meat spots, this choice stands as a defining one. Whether you’re seated at a landmark deli or ordering takeout from a hidden neighborhood gem, the same question holds weight.
Lean. Medium. Fatty.
Three words with a hundred stories.
Ordering Like a Local: Tips to Get It Right
New to the smoked meat scene? Here’s how to make the right call.
- Don’t panic when the server asks for your preference.
- If you’re unsure, go medium; it’s the safest way to appreciate the balance.
- Rye bread is non-negotiable. So is yellow mustard.
- Don’t drown it in sauce. The meat should speak for itself.
- Know that sides matter: fresh-cut fries, crunchy coleslaw, sharp pickles, all there to elevate, not compete.
Most importantly: respect the cut. Don’t order fatty if you don’t want to deal with richness. Don’t order lean if you’ll complain about dryness. Montreal delis don’t play around.
So, What’s Your Order Say About You?
Whether you’re a clean-cut traditionalist, a balanced thinker, or a full-flavor rebel, your smoked meat choice is more than just a meal; it’s your food identity. It’s how you show up at the table.
And next time, someone side-eyes your fatty sandwich or questions your lean leanings? Just smile. Because in Montreal, smoked meat isn’t just lunch.
It’s a love language.
Want to find out which cut really speaks to you? Head to Dunn’s Famous, where Montreal’s best smoked meat is served exactly the way you like it: lean, medium, or unapologetically fatty.
